How to retrieve my content from a broken phone?

zero · 30 Oct 2022, 06:52

Hello all,

Yesterday I broke the screen of my original BQ Aquaris E4.5 Ubuntu Edition (it's been with me for 7 years if I'm not mistaken!).

It's just the upper right corner of the glass that is broken, but for some reason the touch screen does not respond to touches. So I can't unlock it.

I have been unlucky to find a replacement screen online so far so I guess I'm heading towards replacing the phone with a new one.

But, I have some data that I'd like to retrieve from the phone, a few pictures but mostly my contacts. All my contacts' phone numbers are in there and I can't seem to be able to access them.

How can I connect to the system and get access to the files and contacts?

I usually connect through SSH on this phone via my local network, but for some reason the phone is connected to 3G and does not automatically switches to the wifi network (that's something that happens regularly, and usually just displaying the network menu is enough to force it back to wifi, but I can't use this trick since the touch screen does not respond).

So I have tried to connect through USB, via ADB, but the phone does not seem to be in developer mode, and the command adb devices returns nothing.

I am out of ideas. If anyone has some clues about how to fetch my contacts that would be great!

Thanks a lot.

TheBird · 30 Oct 2022, 07:14

With a 'usb to mini usb' cable you can attach a mouse to your phone.

domubpkm · 30 Oct 2022, 09:45

Yes, I happened to connect a wireless mouse with a mini USB cable to a UT smartphone: it can be useful.

zero · 30 Oct 2022, 12:43

Wow! Brilliant idea! I did not know the UI could be controlled via a mouse. I have to find a cable and try it out.

Thanks for the tip. Will report back when I try.

zero · 5 Nov 2022, 08:44

I have finally found said cable.

It works! I can use my ubports phone without a touch screen!

Thank you so much for the suggestion.

I will have to get used to typing text messages with a mouse

aimar · 5 Nov 2022, 13:57

@zero you can find the replacement screen here: https://www.impextrom.com/en/full-screen-ips-lcd-lcd-display-touch-window-and-digitizer-in-black-for-bq-aquaris-e4-5-p999988890
Unfortunately I have already changed it three times Hey! I am an expert!
The shipping (in my case) was fast (2 days) and it is quite simple to replace. Their website shows a video explainig how to do it.
Since the cristal and the LCD are attached, once the cristal cracks, both break. And you have to replace both. Actually, they sell both elements together.

TheBird · 6 Nov 2022, 09:52

Thank you for the report. Glad it works